We love this beautiful collection of antique photographs recently diverted from landfill by one of our amazing and eco-conscious donors.
The album captures early healthcare and a group of remarkable “Night Nurses” in the early 20th century in Philadelphia. In total there are 120 photographs many dated between 1911-1915.
Friendship + joy radiate from the many group photos. There is healthcare history with snapshots of doctors and nurses in operating rooms.
From the UPenn Nursing, History, and Health Care Site Late-Nineteenth and Early-Twentieth Century Pediatrics:
Students usually toiled twelve hours a day, six days a week for fifty weeks a year. The length of training was variable, ranging anywhere from eighteen months to three years. Nurses who wanted to specialize in child health tried to get their training either at a hospital with a children’s ward or at one of the few children’s hospitals. Once graduated, a few nurses assumed leadership positions in hospitals, but most sought private-duty positions in middle-and upper-class homes. The pay was poor and the hours irregular (Reverby, 1987).
We don’t know the hospital where many of the photos took place, but we would love to see the album go to a history loving member our community that is able to research and find out more about these incredible medical professionals.
The album is available for sale through our online shop.
